MLB And BetMGM Reveal New Free-Play App With Cash Prizes

• The MLB and BetMGM have unveiled a new app that allows fans to predict game outcomes and in-game plays to earn points and even win real money prizes
• The app is free, available on smartphones, and not connected to a sportsbook to allow for younger players
• This form of sports betting could bring needed revenue to the league as officials are looking for ways to keep fans engaged with teams even though they can’t go to live games.

NEW YORK – The MLB and it’s official gaming partner BetMGM have announced a new free app on Monday available to baseball fans once the 2020 season begins.

The app called Rally and presented by BetMGM has different games that allow players to earn points from predicting the outcomes of the games, at-bats for batters and pitchers, and playoff brackets.

Though there are prizes to win from these predictions including winning real money, the app is not connected to the BetMGM sportsbook. There is no money you have pay to play and the main point of the app is more to gain points after correct picks.

Young fans are a big part of the baseball game experience and this can bring them in on the action even though they currently are not able to go to games. Because the app is free and available for all smartphones and it is not sports wagering, there is no legal sports betting age to play on this app.

“There’s no sports betting element in any of our apps,” said Chris Marinak, MLB executive vice president of strategy, technology, and innovation. “It is important we stick to gaming.”

Although this app is distancing itself from true sports betting, the league may realize that it is the perfect time to enter the sports betting market. With the 40% of revenue that includes tickets, concessions, parking currently unlivable due to coronavirus, sports betting seems to be a no brainer.

In 2018, the American Gaming Association reported that the MLB could possibly make up to $1.1 billion from sports betting.

Sports betting will definitely be ramping up around the country as a majority of sports leagues and events restart.

The MLB is returning without fans in attendance and many MLB bettors will be looking for different ways to interact with the games.

News tags: American Gaming Association | BetMGM | MLB | Rally App